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Brief Summary

The Sailfish 290 CC is a classic in the genre--wide, deep, brawny and loaded with fishing features including 16 rod holders, 35 gallon leaning post livewell, 30 gallon transom livewell with high speed pickup, four fishboxes in the sole, and rod storage -- name it and it's on board, standard. Her unusual VDS hull works as advertised.

Key Features

Cockpit courtesy LED lights

3 freshwater showers

High speed livewell pickup

7 stainless steel rod holders

Deluxe leaning post with 35 gal. livewell with backrest

Console seat with front

80 quart cooler

4 insulated fishboxes/storage

Aerated baitwell

Boarding ladder with swim platform

Specifications

Length Overall

30' 6'' 9.30 m

Beam

9' 0'' 2.74 m

Dry Weight

8,000 lbs. 3,629 kg w/eng

Tested Weight

9,541 lbs. 4,328 kg

Draft

21'' 53.34 cm

- Draft Up

N/A

- Draft Down

N/A

- Air Draft

N/A

Deadrise/Transom

21-deg.

Max Headroom

open

Bridge Clearance

N/A

Weight Capacity

N/A

Person Capacity

N/A

Fuel Capacity

225 gal. 852 L

Water Capacity

14 gal. 53.00 L

Length on Trailer

N/A

Height on Trailer

N/A

Trailer Weight

N/A

Total Weight(Trailer, Boat, & Engine)

N/A

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

All fuel consumption numbers are the total for all engines in the boat. Speeds are measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun or GPS. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter or by on-board factory-installed diagnostic instruments. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation. Time to plane is measured from start of acceleration to formation of rooster tail behind boat.

Performance Chart

Acceleration Times & Test Conditions

Time To Plane

4.1 sec.

0 to 30

5.8 sec.

Ratio

1.75: 1

Props

15 1/4 x 19 p Mirage 3-blade

Load

2 persons, 11/50 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear

Climate

78 deg., 78 humid.; wind: 10-12 mph; seas: 1-2

Elevation

10

Captain's Report

An offshore boat that would appeal to any fisherman, the Sailfish 290 CC center console also has lots of family features.

Mission of the Sailfish 290 CC

The Sailfish 290 CC is an offshore fishing machine with the capability to take the family out to enjoy a day on the water. With the added safety and performance of the VDS hull's high freeboard and Sail-Tech construction, this boat is intended to fish and play hard while providing a solid, stable ride in virtually any weather. The versatility of the boat is apparent just by changing out some cushions and seating arrangements. She goes from being rigged for fishing, to watersports with the kids, to an evening dinner cruise with minimal effort due to all the available features.

Overview of the Sailfish 290 CC

An overview of the Sailfish 290 CC with her impressive array of standard features and roominess, taken from the builder's website, does a good job of explaining the boat's features.

The Sailfish 290 CC is the latest entry into the company’s line of popular center consoles.

Reasons for the model's popularity include: lots of storage, ample deck space upon which to work fish when moving around the boat, an efficient hull that is also comfortable and dry in a seaway, and lots of well-conceived and carefully executed features that should appeal to both hard-core fishermen and families.

Performance

We tested the 290 CC with just over 175 gallons (662.44 L) of fuel, no water, two people and minimal gear which gave us a test weight of approximately 9,541 lbs (4,328 kgs). The weather was overcast, light fog and winds out of the south west at 10 to 12 mph. This weather would have minimal effect on the performance of this boat.

Lots of Power and Speed. This boat was quick out of the blocks, thanks to Mercury Verado 600 horses and the boat's VDS bottom design. The stainless steel Mirage 3 blade propellers measured 15 ¼ x 19 pitch. This boat was up on plane in just over 4 seconds and effortlessly climbed to top end speed. The engines and props seem like a good marriage with this boat.

The Numbers. We recorded a top speed at wide open throttle of 58.6 mph at 6200 rpm while burning a combined 59.6 gph. Best cruise from a miles-per-gallon perspective was at 3500 rpm where we recorded a speed of 26.8 mph while burning a combined 14.7 gph giving us a range of approximately 368 statute miles, with a 10% fuel reserve.

Our Cruising Speed. While testing the boat, in the conditions encountered we liked running her at approximately 4500 rpm with a speed of 40.8 mph while burning a combined 25.0 gph which reduced our range to 330 statute miles.

Towing Numbers. At 3000 rpm, we maintained a speed of 19.4 mph with a fuel consumption of 11.3 gph.

Handling

With an impressive freeboard height forward of 48" (1.21 m) and a deep cockpit ranging from 30" astern to 39" forward, this boat should provide a safe, dry ride in most conditions. When we throttled up to get underway from a full stop, she lifted out of the water quickly with minimal bow rise and got on plane in approximately 4.1 seconds. Her running angle was 5-degrees.

The freeboard height is impressive and the step hull gets her up and on plane quickly.

VDS Ride Features. When the boat was fully up on plane, it cut through the waves. The outermost sections of the hull didn’t do much (except knock down spray) until the boat slowed down a bit, when they added more lift and efficiency. That flatter outermost section also dampens rocking in a beam sea, when trolling, drift fishing, or at anchor on a busy weekend with lots of boat wakes.

Reverse Chine. A downward hook in the chine deflects spray downward, further increases stability at slow speed, and bites into the water during turns. Something that the operator should be very careful with when turning the boat hard over at speed. The reverse chine has a tendency to dig in and jar the boat. It is best to be holding on when maneuvering at speed.

Distinguishing Features

• VDS Hull Design. Sailfish features what it calls its Variable Deadrise Stepped Hull (VDS) to improve lift and stability, at the same time giving the boat a comfortable ride. The “first” hull angle which is next to the keel and pad, has the deepest deadrise, is designed to cut the water forward and cushion the ride aft when running in choppy conditions. The “second” hull angle has a shallower deadrise which is a compromise between ride and a more horizontal surface for lift. The “third” hull angle is the shallowest of all and is intended to provide both lift and stability.

• High-Freeboard. Her freeboard forward at about mid bow is 47.5" (120.65 cm). Freeboard at the stern is 36.5” (92.71 cm). The high freeboard not only makes it harder for water to get into the boat, it also allows the cockpit to be deeper to keep people inside where they belong. This is particularly important in a fishing boat that may double for a family boat.

• Exceptional Range. At best cruise, this boat has a range of 370 statute miles / 321 nautical miles. She has a fuel capacity of 225 gallons (855 L).

Features Inspection

Cockpit Depth.

Sailfish provides a deep cockpit depth with 30” (76 cm) at the stern that increases to 40” (97 cm) at the bow. This will provide a sense of safety and security for the family and keep the kids secure. The seats forward -- just where most kids will want to hang out -- the seat backs are 19" from the top of the cushions to the coaming.

The height of the freeboard and depth of the cockpit area are quite apparent in this shot.The powder coated recessed rails are well placed at the bow and midships. Not only do they look cool, but they are convenient to hold onto.And the toe rails located on both sides of the gunwales in the cockpit will let the fisherman lock in while fighting the big one.

De-Watering. Besides the cockpit depth and extended freeboard, there are a couple other unique features that instill a sense of security aboard this boat. The deck has 2" recessed cockpit drains on each side. The drain covers are hinged for easy access to clean. The transom gate opens out for emergency de-watering if swamped.

4-Step Swim Ladder. We don't know whether to put the 4-step swim ladder as a safety feature or a watersports features. ABYC standards call for at least one rung at a minimum of 12" below the water. Sailfish has gone with 4 steps instead of the industry standard of 3 and has made them deep.

Power Options

The Sailfish 290 CC tested was equipped with twin Mercury Verado 300 XL, DTS, 300-hp outboards with hydraulic power steering. She is also available with the following configurations:

Noteworthy Standard Equipment

While the 290 CC is meant to be a dual-purpose boat, center console boats tend to be used most often for fishing. Sailfish doesn’t disappoint here, providing many standard features and offering quite a few options that appeal to fishermen while other features and options lean toward non-anglers.

• 16 rod holders

• 30-gallon transom livewell

• 35-gallon leaning post livewell

• Dual fishboxes in the deck

Major Features

SailTech Construction.

According to the builder, the composite hulls are kept in the molds for a full four days to allow them to cure correctly and are reinforced with Kevlar along the keel. Carbon Fiber is used in the transverse deck supports (see below). The entire stringer system is foam filled for added safety, which is common industry practice. Many standard features - such as livewells, tackle storage compartments and cast net storage are molded directly into the boat for greater durability.

Prisma beams are preformed PVC foam with a hard surface which adheres to fiberglass and carbon fiber. Here we see a trapezoidal-shaped beam for added strength.

Prisma Beams. These pre-formed polyurethane foam cores are laminated under the deck every 5 inches. The cores themselves are 5" across and 3" deep and are laminated with carbon fiber along with the fiberglass and resin. They give both stiffness and loading resistance. Not only are they lighter than other core materials such as plywood, but they are also less expensive.

Highly Functional, Easily Cleaned Non-Skid Surfaces. We found a unique raised dot non-skid surface at the decks. It is a dot spacing non-skid surface that is strategically spaced to allow the majority of the dirt to be hosed off with normal water pressure.

Ergonomic Design Features.

As we approached the helm, the ergonomic design of the T-top support caught our attention. Not only was it handy to hold on to, but its powder coated structure curved out of the way of the entry to the helm. This made for an easy approach to the console and was a real convenience.

In the Bow

Bow Seating with Fishboxes. Up in the bow, port and starboard seat bottoms hinge open to provide 36’’ openings for the twin 260 quart fishboxes. These continue all the way to the bow – each box is 64.5’’ total length. They’re insulated with smooth gelcoat finish and drain directly overboard to keep cleanup quick. Those same attributes also make these fishboxes ideal as two large, dry, easily cleaned storage lockers.

Hidden under the seat cushions are two 260 quart (246 L) fishboxes that are 64.5”(163.83) long to the bow.

Console Front Seat Removable Cooler. A large 74-quart cooler locks in place at the front of the console. It pops out to create extra deck space forward when fishing, and the cooler can travel home for pre-provisioning.

Sailfish includes a custom seat cushion on the cooler top and a matching backrest cushion on the console. Note the in-floor storage with bucket holder.

Removable Bow Table.

The table fits atop a gooseneck pedestal, leaving floor space unobstructed even with the table installed. Two extra drink holders compliment the four drink holders already in the bow – two beneath the table pedestal and two more just out of frame on the port and starboard side.

The sturdy bow table converts this space into an eating area and is easy to get in and out.An optional removable table here stows in the head compartment when not needed.Stainless steel drink holders in the bow are among 13 total on the boat.Forward-facing seat backs lift and rotate 90-degrees against the hull where they provide excellent support. With the seat backs removed, the sockets become additional fishing rod holders.

Snag-free Forward Handrails and Cleats. Handrails running most of the length of the bow are recessed into the cockpit combing where they won’t snag fishing lines or dock lines. All hatch hinges and latches are recessed, and all cleats aboard are pull-up types, also to prevent snags and stubbed toes. Fender cleats are included.

The recessed handrails extend all the way to the bow and the high padded bolsters should keep the passengers comfortable.The bow cleats pop up when needed, otherwise stowed away flush to the deck for a snag free surface and sleek look.Here’s a unique feature, the bow light stows away flush to the deck by pushing it forward and locking it in place. It is latched and will pop up when the unit is depressed.

Anchor Handling.

A standard bow compartment keeps the anchor secure yet handy, and a hawse pipe within the anchor locker helps stow the anchor rode so it should stay tangle free.

Anchor options here include a stainless steel bow roller, electric windlass and a 12-lb. polished stainless steel anchor with 10’ of galvanized chain and 200’ of rode with a 6” stainless steel cleat for securing the rode.Bow hatch access to the anchor locker is important if there are tangles to sort out.

In Deck Storage.

The forward in deck storage box is large enough to hold a couple of 5 gallon pails for fishing and is also great for wakeboard tow lines, boat washing gear or just about anything else. It’s easy to keep a half a dozen buckets in a dock box and grab only the two needed for the day’s outing.

A large in deck box at the bow has plenty of room for fishing gear or watersports equipment.

Console and Midships

The T-top and center console were both redesigned for the 2014 model year, adding a more rounded, flowing look. The new design also better integrates, visually, the console and T-top legs. Options here include a Bimini top and boot, a canvas-covered T-top, or fiberglass top on an aluminum frame. Aluminum T-top framework is powder-coated in either white or black.

The T-top as viewed from the stern has lots of features, including rod holders, deck lighting, life jacket storage at the overhead and speakers for the sound system.Both Captain Steve and Captain Jim are seen here looking through the wrap around windshield. Generally they like what they saw, finding little to pick on.The additional lockable storage box overhead in the T-top is a good place to put the valuables for safe keeping while underway.

Optional T-top includes overhead lifejacket storage and eight rod holders -- six face aft for rod storage while one points straight outboard on either side to be used as impromptu outriggers when trolling. The T-top includes, as standard, welded supports for optional outriggers and an optional overhead electronics box.

When drift fishing, many anglers let one line far out on the surface. Those outboard-pointing rod holders keep that line high above and clear of other lines fished directly from the boat.

Optional Fiberglass Hardtop. The fiberglass top is as long as the canvas-skinned top, but a bit narrower. The hardtop had provisions for outriggers and the optional overhead storage box. It also had 6 aft facing rod holders and one on each side facing outward. Radar pads are molded into the hardtop.

Console Top Storage. The space on top of every center console always seems to collect odds and ends ranging from hats, sunscreen and sunglasses to cell phones to bait fishing rigs, and all that stuff invariably flies off when hitting the first big wave. Sailfish did a good job of designing large trays for stuff, putting this real estate to good use.

Sailfish offers a dedicated storage tray recessed into the console top. It’s fitted with compartments to keep items separate, and a clear plastic lid to see everything at a glance and a water resistant gasket and latch.Within that top console compartment, an MP3 input jack and USB port tie portable music players into the boat’s sound system. The USB plug also charges many phones, or a 12-Volt outlet here charges phones or powers a handheld spotlight or other gear.

A Real Head Compartment on a Center Console. A toilet or Porta-Potti shoved into a center console is nothing new, but Sailfish made the inside of the console into a proper head with 5’8” of headroom, a vanity and sink with a retracting freshwater hose, a mirror, and dedicated, dry storage for essentials like toilet paper and paper towels. (Either a Porta-Potti or a marine toilet are options, though.)

The latching bi-fold door opens into the walkway to reveal a step down head with 5'8" (1.72 m) of headroom. The hatch is 17" (42 cm) wide at mid height.

The inside of the compartment is painted white and the surface, while not covered in gelcoat, is relatively smooth. By illuminating the inner liner, Sailfish is saving weight and expense. Given how well the rest of the boat is finished, we think this is a good cost/value trade-off.

The 5’ retracting hose used as the sink faucet is just long enough to reach the windscreen front to rinse salt spray. And notice the additional cargo netted storage area.

Expanded Room for Electronics at the Console. More prime real estate on the dash provides room for an additional navigation display. Because most systems today allow multi-displays a second display here provides secondary information to the captain or allows a second person to help navigate in tricky conditions.

The Sailfish console has room for plenty of electronics. Note that the compass is on the centerline of the wheel -- as it should be -- and not on the centerline of the boat.The DTS system at the helm has features for trolling, docking, throttle management and synchronization. The trim controls are well placed on the port side throttle control and easy to use while underway.

Steering.

The stainless steel wheel with turning knob was comfortable and responsive when operating the boat. The hydraulic steering made it easy to manage the 600 horsepower pushing us through the water.

The wheel had a tilt feature which made it easy to get the wheel in just the right spot.

The ignition switches are located on the port side of the console, to the left and just below the wheel. When placing the safety lanyard on the captain some care needs to be taken as to where it is attached. In this case, perhaps on a belt loop would be the best place.

Footrest Storage. A footrest built into the rear of the center console also includes storage. This is particularly handy for dock lines as it’s within the captain’s reach. Storing dock lines here prevents having people get up and move around the boat to access lines stored beneath seats -- when approaching the dock all guests should be seated and still for safety.

The helm seat footrest built into the console includes additional storage. The lid stays up thanks to a magnet.

Helm Seat.The helm seat can either be ordered as a wide bench or with twin, individual deluxe captain’s chairs with armrests atop the leaning post tackle center. These chairs are plush and just as comfortable as they look.

The twin deluxe captain’s chairs are installed atop this livewell and tackle center and feature fold away bolsters and armrests.

Leaning Post Tackle Center and Livewell. The area behind the helm seat included a 35-gallon livewell to starboard and a bait prep sink and two tackle drawers on the port side.

Included in the tackle center was a livewell, two stainless steel cup holders, sink with retractable spray faucet and a tool station for knives and pliers.The livewell and sink lids are held open by a magnet mounted in the back of the captain’s chairs.

This leaning post sink is fitted with a 5’ retracting freshwater hose that’s handy for bait prep cleanup or to rinse tackle or sunglasses.

The leaning post had latching tackle drawers on the port side for fishing gear.

Aft Cockpit

Removable Aft Seats. A pair of optional, removable seats, one in each aft corner of the cockpit, offer the ideal place to sit for a long, lumpy ride offshore. The back of the boat is definitely going to be wetter on a rough day, but the stern offers the smoothest ride.

The center aft bench seat folds away and the port and starboard seats are removable and can be stowed in the head storage area.We would like to see Sailfish improve its method of holding these seats in place as it is not up to the standards of hardware we see in the rest of the boat.

Cockpit Bolsters. Standard padded bolsters run from about amidships all the way aft in the cockpit, and then another 18” or so toward the center of the boat. These aid fishermen leaning against the cockpit side and also serve as side and backrests for the aft removable seats.

Deep Cockpit. The gunnels are 31”(78.74 cm) above the deck at the aft quarters of the cockpit and 40”(101.6 cm) above the deck farther forward, which is quite high compared to many center consoles and improves safety.

The cockpit depth of 31” (78.74 cm) provides safety and the padded bolsters provide comfort.The depth of the gunnels at midships measured 40” (101.6 cm) and the hull flares away, providing a wide walkway past the head compartment.

Rod Storage, Toe Rails and More. Rod holders are recessed into the cockpit gunwales and a toe rail is along the bottom to aid anglers' balance. A pair of dedicated recesses accommodate downrigger lead balls, and a small cargo net holds odds and ends.

Rod storage, cargo net stowage and recessed downrigger lead sinker holders are located on both sides of the cockpit.

Aft Livewell. This boat had the 35-gallon live bait well in the leaning post, which is an option, the 30-gallon livewell in the stern is standard. Both live bait wells feature positive-pressure plumbing and clear lids. We are told that this design reduces "bait stress" from water sloshing in the well or constant changes in light. LED lights illuminate both at night.

The inside of the bait wells are tinted blue with rounded corners to reduce the stress on the bait fish.

14 Centerline Rod Holders. Those four rod holders, one each at the port and starboard aft quarters, combined with 8 more on the back edge of the T-top stow 14 fishing rods in the center of the boat.

For those who lost count, that’s 22 rod holders aboard -- 8 on the T-top, 4 at the transom, 4 in the gunnels and 2 more forward when the forward-facing seat backs are stowed elsewhere.Yes, another rod holder. More unusually, however, is the fold-up ring through which to run a fender line to the cleat aft.

Tool Storage and Saltwater Wash Aft. The saltwater-wash hose connection is within the transom engine well, right where it’s needed. A tool storage rack across the transom includes a notch to hold the saltwater wash nozzle along with knives and fishing pliers. Accessing the hose, knives or tools might require reaching around or between fishing rods, though.

The center of the transom, at the forward edge of the engine splash well, includes four fishing rod holders along with storage for knives, pliers and the saltwater washdown hose.

Recessed Watersports Tow Pylon.

With a quick twist, an optional stainless steel bar lifts above the stern to keep a watersports tow line above the top of outboard engines. This gives the boat added utility.

This optional ski tow pylon retracts and locks flush with the deck when not needed.A recessed freshwater shower head at the transom reaches across the boat to the swim step.

Battery Switches and Charging.

The boat has a Voltage Sensitive Relay which charges three batteries intelligently. Alternators first bring each start battery to 12.75 volts to ensure quick starts and proper electronic engine operation, then the relay diverts alternator output to the house battery to bring it up quickly, and then all three batteries are topped off. Proper charging helps ensure safety and also maximizes battery life.

Sailfish uses simplified battery switches with an intelligent charging system to maintain all three battery charge levels.

Battery switches within the center console are either “ON”, for normal operation, or set to “EMERGENCY” to parallel all three batteries together for emergency starting. Resettable circuit breakers next to battery switches keep bilge pumps powered on even with main battery switches off. The optional windlass circuit breaker is located here as well.

The battery switches are located in the head compartment and are easy to access. Batteries are within the console but in a separate compartment closed off with a hatch. Another set of doors open to gain access to the backside of electronics and helm switches for service.

Options to Consider

Based on the performance and speed of the boat we tested, that had the optional Mercury Verado 300 XL DTS outboard engines, we could see an owner opting for one of the other engine packages. This would reduce the cost of the boat and probably would not greatly hurt the overall performance -- other than slowing her down a bit under 58 mph at wide open throttle and conserving some fuel.

Pricing

Powered by the twin Mercury Verado 300 XL DTS outboards, and a long list of impressive optional features, the Sailfish 290 CC we tested had a list price of $144,142.

Observations

The Sailfish 290 CC is a stylish and user-friendly boat that is a capable fishing machine that the family is going to enjoy using too. Her cockpit depth which runs from 31'' aft to 40'' forward is one of the deepest in class and provides safety for the kids as well as anglers. The Variable Deadrise Step (VDS) hull really seems to work, giving the boat comfort and efficiency, and stability, based on our tests of both the Sailfish 275 DC and the 290 CC.

Test Result Highlights

Best cruise for the Sailfish 290 CC (2015-) is 26.8 mph (43.1 kph), and the boat gets 1.8 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.77 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 368 miles (592.24 kilometers).